Since scientists are perceived as more credible as a result of humor, it is important to consider the ways it could help decrease or correct misinformation. Humor should be implemented in ways that are appropriate according to scientific standards, such as to present true data and conclusions. 

Humor's Potential Use to Avoid/Correct Misinformation

Some consider the use of any persuasion techniques that are implemented by scientists to be deceptive and manipulative. They believe that such practices do not promote appropriate scientific standards. In this view, humor may be an inappropriate way to communicate research findings.

Humor's Potential for Scientific Manipulation

- Potential use to avoid/correct misinformation
- May be considered manipulative

Davidson College

Those that experience higher mirth, as a result of humor, perceive a scientist as significantly more credible than those who experience no mirth due to the lack of humor. The perceived credibility partially explains the relationship between the experience of mirth and people's perception of comedy as a valid approach for the presentation of scientific knowledge.

Humor's Increase in the Perceived Credibility of a Scientist

The experience of greater mirth, which is caused by humor, predicts higher likability of a scientist.

Humor's Increase in the Perceived Likability of a Scientist

Yeo, S. & McKasy, M. (2021). Emotion and Humor as Misinformation Antidotes. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 118(15). doi: 10.1073/pnas.2002484118

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